Dell Begins Shipping DellNet by MSN; One Year Of DellNet by MSN Included On All Consumer PCs Purchased in the U.S

Business Wire, Nov 29, 2000

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2000

Dell (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT), the world's leading software developer, today announced the shipping of DellNet by MSN, a new Internet access service to be included with the purchase of all new Dell consumer desktop and notebook PCs in the U.S.

The new DellNet by MSN provides customers fast access to the Web, to MSN, the most popular destination on the Internet, and to Dell's award-winning service and support.

Just in time for the holidays, customers ordering a Dell Dimension or Inspiron will receive a one-year subscription to DellNet by MSN, a customized version of Microsoft's new MSN Explorer that includes Internet access. MSN Explorer combines the best of MSN content and services, including MSN Hotmail, MSN Search and MSN eShop with the best of Microsoft's Internet software, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Windows Media Player. Those features enable Dell customers to easily configure settings for a personalized interface and Web experience.

"MSN is well-suited to deliver our customers what they want. DellNet by MSN offers our customers the best choice to enhance their Internet computing experience and tailor it to their needs," said John Hamlin, vice president of Dell's U.S. consumer business. "Dell customers can easily personalize their PC and Internet experience and enjoy the freedom to access all of the content that the Internet offers."

"Our alliance with Dell will make access to the Internet easily available through one of the world's premier direct suppliers of PCs and services for consumers," said Yusuf Mehdi, vice president of MSN. "DellNet by MSN gives consumers a new home on the Internet where they can be more productive in their lives."

Additional DellNet by MSN features include:

-- Ease of Use - One year of DellNet by MSN is pre-loaded on all Dell consumer
PCs. Its straightforward navigation enables one-click access to popular Web
features. It offers tools that help maintain favorite Web sites and keep
established contacts.

-- Personalization - DellNet by MSN is built from the same technology as MSN
Explorer providing a more personal Web experience around the user's
preferences. In addition to constant availability of news and weather,
personalized stock reports and online calendars give consumers the tools to be
more productive on the Web. The main toolbar keeps users aware of unread
e-mails, alerts them of buddies online and offers one-click access to the most
popular Internet activities.

-- Content and Communications - Through easy one-click access, subscribers are
always one step away from Dell's award-winning technical service and support,
advice on enhancing the PC and Internet experience and Dell special offers.
Customers can listen to music and watch video, instant message friends and
family, bookmark favorite sites and maintain up to 9 unique accounts, enabling
individuals to personalize a home page with their own content.

Through this alliance, Dell and MSN will continue enhancing the service with unique personalization options and seamless broadband and home connectivity solutions.

About MSN

MSN gives consumers a central place where they can get everything they need from the Web and make the most of their time online.

MSN is available in 33 markets and in 17 languages -- a broader global presence than any other portal. MSN takes advantage of the Microsoft.NET platform to offer leading services, any time, any place and on any device, with the most integrated and personalized user experience for communications, search, shopping, personal finance and entertainment. MSN Internet Access and the recently introduced MSN Explorer offer the quickest, most personal and exciting ways to get on to and take advantage of the Web. Best-of-breed services include the MSN Hotmail Web-based e-mail service, the world's largest e-mail system; MSN Messenger Service, one of the fastest-growing instant messaging services on the Web; MSN Search, the second most popular online search service; MSN Mobile, the customizable wireless information service; the award-winning MSN MoneyCentral online personal finance guide; MSN eShop, the one-stop online shopping resource; and MSN Custom Web Sites, the easy way to share information on the Web. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/.> About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL) is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $30 billion for the past four quarters, and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their Internet infrastructures. The company ranks No. 56 on the Fortune 500, No. 210 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 3 on the Fortune "most admired" lists of companies. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the World Wide Web at www.dell.com.